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CHAPTER 4: Design
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4.1
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Introduction
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| 4.1.1 |
The purpose of this Chapter is to promote and achieve higher standards
in the design of new development. The Government’s Planning Policy
Statement 1 seeks to ensure high quality development through good design.
It states that the key objectives of design policies include ensuring
that developments are sustainable, create an appropriate mix of uses,
respond to their local context and create or reinforce local distinctiveness
and are visually attractive as a result of good architecture.
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| 4.1.2 |
Advice on how to achieve good design is contained in the government’s
guide: “By Design” (DETR/CABE 2000). This underlines that
quality design is best ensured by approaches which build from design principles
or objectives and not by rigid templates and standard designs. The guide
outlines what these objectives should be and provides detail on the characteristics
of good design.
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| 4.1.3 |
As part of the creation of a Green City and a Safe City, the
Wolverhampton Community Plan (2002-2012) aims to: |
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- Increase awareness of and respect for the natural and built environment;
- Improve the quality of urban design of new buildings and spaces (including
hard and soft landscaping);
- Create well-designed urban spaces, “pocket parks” and
walkways;
- Increase the general feeling of safety and security among people in
neighbourhoods;
- Improve design and lighting in car parks, parks and open spaces to
deter robbery and other crimes.
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| 4.1.4 |
Good design can enhance the quality of people’s everyday
lives, help achieve sustainable development and reinforce civic pride. Achieving
a positive image for Wolverhampton is critical for attracting investment
and achieving sustainable economic and social regeneration. The Council’s
vision is to encourage and achieve high design standards throughout the
City, not just in key locations such as conservation areas, centres and
along major roads. The aim is to produce attractive, high quality places,
where people will want to live, work and enjoy themselves. |
| 4.1.5 |
Greater attention will be given to improving the design of
new buildings and the spaces around them. Site specific design solutions
are required that react explicitly to the characteristics of a location
and connect with the wider area. New buildings will be expected to contribute
towards creating strongly defined public spaces. Buildings and landscaping
should form part of an integrated design, which must not be visually dominated
by car parking and should provide for people travelling to the site by public
transport, on foot or by bicycle. Development should relate well to the
scale of existing buildings, safeguard local amenities and create more secure
environments. Creativity and innovation will be encouraged and challenging
or radical designs positively welcomed. Larger schemes in appropriate locations
will be expected to incorporate an appropriate mix of uses (see Policy S4).
The Council is committed to ensuring that buildings and sites are accessible
for people with disabilities. |
| 4.1.6 |
All new development takes place within an existing context.
The policies in this Chapter should be read in conjunction with policies
in Chapter 6: Historic Environment. Further guidance on design is provided
by the Council’s Supplementary Planning Guidance notes / Supplementary
Planning Documents. These include helpful additional material on specific
topics (e.g. Residential Development), and Development Briefs providing
design guidance for particular sites. The Council also produces conservation
area appraisals (see Policy HE3). These documents carry significant weight
when decisions are taken on planning applications. |
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4.2
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Design Quality
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Policy D1: Design Quality (Part I)
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All development proposals should demonstrate a high
standard of design and contribute towards creating a strong
sense of place. Proposals should evolve from an understanding
of local distinctiveness and the historic context. Poor and
mediocre designs will be unacceptable.
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| 4.2.1 |
The aim of Policy D1 is to ensure that all development is of high quality
and benefits its surrounding area. Good design should be the aim of all
those involved in the development process and is required throughout the
City.
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| 4.2.2 |
Good design is rarely achieved through rigid design standards. Successful
buildings, streets and cities tend to have characteristics in common.
These factors have been analysed to produce principles or objectives of
good design which are reflected in the policies in this Chapter. The Council
encourages responsible innovation, originality and initiative, and recognises
that the qualities of an outstanding scheme may justify a departure from
certain design policies in this chapter.
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| 4.2.3 |
What the City feels like is a crucial part of its identity. Careful design
of buildings, and the streets and spaces between buildings, can help achieve
a strong sense of place. This can help make urban areas safer and more
attractive, and may help to accommodate more homes and facilities that
such areas need to flourish. Encouraging more people to live in the City
and increasing urbanity can help create more sustainable patterns of development
and contribute towards an urban renaissance.
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| 4.2.4 |
The overall strategy for the City’s hierarchy of built
form is to build up densities in line with Government guidance and to create
a compact urban feel at the City centre, town centres and to a lesser extent
in local centres. Towards the fringes of the City, built form should taper
off, retaining green space and trees that merge City into countryside. On
the main approaches to the City, particularly close to metro stops and along
bus showcase routes, there will be opportunities to increase density and
build up urban form. Development that reinforces or creates gateways to
the City will be encouraged. |
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4.3
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Design Statement
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Policy D2: Design Statement
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All planning applications should be accompanied by a written
statement justifying the proposed design in relation to the
site and its wider context.
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| 4.3.1 |
Applicants for planning permission should provide a written statement
setting out the design principles they have adopted in relation to the
site and its wider context. This will help to assess the application against
design policies and encourage applicants to think about design in an analytical
and positive way.
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| 4.3.2 |
A design statement submitted with planning applications should:
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- explain the design principles and design context;
- outline how these are reflected in the development’s layout,
density, scale, visual appearance and landscape;
- explain how the design relates to its site and wider area (through
a full site and area appraisal where appropriate), and to the purpose
of the proposed development;
- justify the chosen design solution and demonstrate how the proposed
development has taken into account Wolverhampton’s design policies
(and its other development plan planning policies and advice in relevant
Supplementary Planning Guidance / Supplementary Planning Documents);
- include an easy to understand summary where this would be of value
in public consultation;
- explain how the design addresses the need for safe, sustainable and
accessible development.
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| 4.3.3 |
A written design statement should be illustrated, as appropriate,
by: |
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- plans and elevations (these should extend some way beyond the site
boundaries to show the relationship of the proposal to the neighbouring
buildings);
- photographs of the site and its surroundings;
- other illustrations, such as perspective views.
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| 4.3.4 |
Planning application design statements are appropriate for
even the smallest and most uncontroversial development proposals, as together
these have an enormous impact on the environment. In such cases only a brief
unillustrated statement is likely to be necessary. For example, in the case
of a minor house extension a simple statement indicating that the proposal
complies with Supplementary Planning Guidance / SPD on Extension to Houses
may well be sufficient. |
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4.4
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Urban Structure
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Policy D3: Urban Structure
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Proposals should retain and improve all useful, safe and
appropriate vehicular and pedestrian routes and provide new
ones that make movement easier, safer, more attractive and
visually varied through and within built up areas.
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The following principles should be taken into account in
the design of new development:
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- Priority should be given to establishing a sense of place
and community, with movement networks used to enhance those
qualities;
- Streets should generally link up and layouts should be
designed to encourage safer walking, cycling and access
to public transport;
- In residential areas, new streets should be designed so
that traffic moves slowly;
- Direct, convenient and safe access should be provided
to new developments for pedestrians and cyclists.
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| 4.4.1 |
Urban structure is the framework of streets, spaces and built form that
connect locally and more widely. In new development it is the sense of
place which should have priority. In the making of places it is not the
road layout but the relationship of buildings to each other and the street
which should be paramount.
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| 4.4.2 |
The general aim is to put people before traffic and create
places of real character, which are also functional. Developments should
aim to promote a network of interconnecting streets and places. Areas that
are easy to move through can be called “permeable”. The free
flow of pedestrians through linked streets and places can have a positive
benefit in increasing vitality, safety and security. |
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4.5
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Urban Grain
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Policy D4: Urban Grain
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Proposals should respond positively to the established pattern
of streets and buildings, including plot sizes, spatial character
and building lines, of which they form a part. Those elements
that contribute to the quality of the surrounding environment
should be respected. The design of new schemes should create
a significant improvement everywhere, including areas of poor
or indifferent quality.
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The following principles should be taken into account in
the design of new development:
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- Proposals should respond to the existing context of buildings,
streets and spaces, ensuring that adjacent buildings relate
positively to each other.
- Building lines should generally be respected and buildings
generally aligned parallel to the street.
- The relationship of proposed buildings to the spaces around
them should not constitute over development leading to cramped
layouts and/or obtrusiveness in relation to adjoining properties.
- The spaciousness and character of established residential
gardens should be respected and enhanced.
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| 4.5.1 |
Urban grain is the pattern of streets, plot sizes, buildings and spaces
that characterise urban areas. Developments should be carefully considered
to add quality to the character and amenity of the area. Imaginative designs
and layouts that make more efficient use of land without compromising
the quality of the environment are encouraged. The Council will seek greater
intensities of development and a more compact City form at places with
good public transport accessibility, including the city centre, town,
district and local centres, and along the main approaches to the City.
Respecting existing building lines will better integrate new development
into the streetscene, although projections and set backs to existing building
lines can be used to add emphasis, providing the spaces created are clearly
defined and functional.
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Applicants for proposed development must demonstrate that
the design solution retains and builds on the positive attributes of the
area and improves or ameliorates the poor ones. Where local distinctiveness
is lacking, the development should create its own rather than emulating,
replicating or adding to poor quality surroundings. Any design proposals
that are considered to be of mediocre or poor quality will be unacceptable. |
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4.6
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Public Realm (public space/ private space)
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Policy D5: Public Realm (public space/
private space)
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Proposals should promote active street frontages as a means
of enclosing the public realm. Developments should clearly
differentiate between private areas and public spaces.
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The following principles should be taken into account in
the design of new development:
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- The fronts and backs of buildings should be clearly defined
to ensure places are easily understood, physically secure,
and feel safe and pleasant.
- Main entrances should open onto the public realm, windows
and more active rooms should face the public realm, and
blank walls or inactive facades should be avoided on frontages.
- Frontages should not be dominated by parking or servicing
areas.
- Parking arrangements should be catered for in ways that
do not detract from the effectiveness of the built up frontage
in defining public areas.
- Parking areas should be secure, attractive and overlooked.
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| 4.6.1 |
The public realm comprises the streets, squares, spaces and building
facades that define them. It is important that these facades provide an
“active”, public frontage with clear points of entry and overlooking
from windows to promote security. It is equally important that private
activities, for example gardens, rear parking and servicing take place
away from the public realm. The rear gardens of houses are more secure
if they back onto other gardens, rather than roads, service lanes and
footpaths. Successful streets are capable of accommodating the parked
car and can help reduce car speeds and create street activity. Clearly
indicating the extent of private ownership of space around a building
(by means such as walls, fences, railings, gates and arches) visually
and physically defines the boundary between public and private space.
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4.7
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Townscape and Landscape
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Policy D6: Townscape and Landscape
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Proposals should create or reinforce local distinctiveness
by comprising site-specific design solutions that respond
explicitly to the site and its context. Proposals should preserve
or enhance qualities of townscape and landscape character
that are of value (see Policy HE1). In areas lacking in local
distinctiveness, proposals should contribute towards repairing
or creating qualities of townscape and landscape character.
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The following principles should be taken into account in
the design of new development:
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- Building frontages and boundary treatments should provide
definition and a sense of enclosure for streets and public
spaces.
- Distinctive features should be provided to define and
emphasise landmarks, corners sites, junctions, vistas, street
scenes and public spaces.
- Existing buildings, structures and physical features of
local distinctiveness or townscape value should be retained
and integrated into new development to maintain the continuity
of built form (see Policy HE1).
- Proposals should respect existing vistas, views and skylines
that contribute to the character of an area.
- Buildings should relate positively to and face towards
streets, open space, squares and canals.
- Public or communal open space should relate to the buildings
around it, be designed with a specific purpose in mind and
should not just be space left over after development.
- Attractive landscaping, including hard surfaces, parking
areas and adequate and useable gardens/amenity areas, should
form an integral part of the design of new development and
should complement the surrounding area.
- Proposals should make positive use of the topography,
land form, changes in levels, landscape setting and natural
features (see Policy D12) of the site and the surrounding
area.
- Existing landscape features of value should be retained
(see Policy D12).
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| 4.7.1 |
The aim of Policy D6 is to promote and achieve character in townscape
and landscape, in order to retain, enhance or create local distinctiveness.
The character of townscape depends upon how individual buildings contribute
to a harmonious whole, through relating to the scale of their neighbours
and creating a continuous, coherent and integrated form. Integrating new
and existing development at their boundaries maintains the continuity
of urban form and landscape. Boundary treatments such as walls and railings
can contribute to the enclosure of the street, reinforce the building
line and enclose front gardens. Well designed corner buildings or features
create visual interest, contribute to a distinctive identity and provide
points of orientation. Landmarks and distinctive features make places
attractive, memorable and legible. The legibility of a place is the ease
with which people can understand its layout and find their way around.
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| 4.7.2 |
The character of landscape depends upon the appearance of land, its shape,
form, ecology and natural features including all open space and planting.
Landscape schemes and boundary details should submitted with full planning
applications and will not be determined without them.
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4.8
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Scale - Height
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Policy D7: Scale - Height
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All development should be of a height that helps achieve
a strong sense of place, relates positively to its surroundings
and the local topography, and does not detract from important
views and landmarks.
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Proposals should take account of the following principles:
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- Buildings should be of sufficient height to positively
contribute to a sense of enclosure of the public realm.
- Buildings should appear to be of a human scale overall
and particularly at ground floor level and should not appear
overbearing.
- Buildings should be compatible with the general pattern
of heights in an area.
- Corner buildings should emphasise the prominence and importance
of the position to provide identity and act as points of
orientation.
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The aim of Policy D7 is to ensure that individual buildings contribute
to a sense of place, through relating to the scale of their surroundings
and creating a coherent urban form. The height and position of new buildings
should consider the geometry of the street and the local topography. The
height of new buildings should not be determined by existing development
of inappropriate heights.
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Densities and heights should generally increase towards the city centre
and higher buildings are likely to be required along the strategic highway
network, in centres, on prominent sites, and at significant nodes and
gateways. Most buildings in these locations should be at least 3 domestic
storeys (or the commercial equivalent) in height. The actual height would
need to relate to the size, extent and proportion of the adjacent space,
the objective being to achieve a good sense of enclosure. Higher buildings
may be allowed on sites in Wolverhampton City Centre, subject to relevant
urban design criteria being appropriately addressed in accordance with
the other design policies.
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On minor streets which are not primary circulation routes,
buildings of no more than 2 or 3 stories high are likely to be suitable.
Adding greater emphasis to buildings in corner positions, for example through
an increase in height, can provide landmarks that contribute to a sense
of local identity, and can help people orientate themselves and find their
way around. Higher buildings can also be appropriate in other situations,
for example in the middle of a long terrace, to create articulation and
a central focus. |
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| 4.8.4 |
People relate better to buildings of a human scale. Whilst this is not
simply a question of height, tall buildings can appear overbearing and
create adverse micro-climatic effects such as down draughts and lateral
winds. The height of a building should also have regard to the degree
of overlooking and overshadowing of other buildings and land.
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As well as taking account of the general pattern of existing heights
and the topography of city, important views and landmarks, e.g. the spires
of city churches should be respected. Buildings of over six stories are
generally unlikely to be appropriate, even in the City Centre.
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4.9
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Scale - Massing
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Policy D8: Scale - Massing
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Proposals should make a positive contribution to the appearance
of an area by means of appropriate massing and orientation.
The massing of a proposal should not adversely affect people’s
amenities in respect of immediate outlook, loss of daylight/sunlight
and loss of privacy.
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Proposals should have regard to the following principles.
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- Elevations should be in scale with the proportions of
the adjacent space and provide a sense of place to the streets
and spaces to which it provides a built edge.
- The scale of a building should relate positively to and
be appropriate to its context.
- Buildings should be in scale with and compatible with
their surroundings, except where existing buildings are
considered to be of an inappropriate scale.
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The massing of development can contribute to creating distinctive street
scenes and skylines. It is important to provide a sense of containment
if streets and open spaces are to develop a sense of place and encourage
activity. The Government’s Planning Policy Statement 1 advises local
authorities not to accept design which is inappropriate in its context.
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The size and massing of a building needs to be appropriate
and harmonise with its context / surroundings. The architectural scale of
a building i.e. the proportions of each architectural element in itself
and its relationship to the whole, also needs to be appropriate. |
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4.10
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Appearence
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Policy D9: Appearence
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Buildings, structures, boundary treatments and landscape
features should make a positive contribution to the locality
through the use of appropriate form and good quality detailing
and materials. Developers are expected to provide details
of the external materials and finishes to be used on proposed
buildings.
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Proposals should take account of the following principles:
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- Form. As well as scale (height and massing), composition,
proportion, articulation, modulation, rhythm, balance and
framing are all important to the appearance of a development
and may significantly affect the character or quality of
an area.
- Detailing. Details include all building elements such
as entrances, walling, fenestration, roofs, gables, eaves,
bays, balconies, porches, walls and fences, and external
works. The way in which these details are designed and articulated
will effect the visual interest, character and quality of
a development when viewed as a whole or in close proximity.
The richness of detail is particularly important at ground
level or where it is prominent and easily appreciated.
- Materials. The quality of materials and finishes contribute
to the attractiveness of a proposal’s appearance and
the character of an area. The use of good quality materials
will be required.
- The use of local and/or reclaimed materials, where appropriate,
can be a major factor in enhancing local distinctiveness
and will be encouraged.
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| 4.10.1 |
The Government’s Planning Policy Statement 1 advises that the visual
appearance and the architecture of individual buildings are clearly factors
in achieving the objective of high quality design. A key objective is
ensuring that developments are visually attractive as a result of good
architecture. The local authority should not attempt to impose architectural
styles and should not stifle innovation and originality. However it is
proper to promote or reinforce local distinctiveness as supported by Policies
D1, D6 and HE1.
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Individual expression and variety of architectural style is encouraged.
If a design is of a sufficiently high standard it will help create urban
richness and diversity. The Council aims to promote a high quality environment
which combines contemporary design with the best architectural traditions
of the city; quality development as distinct from a particular style.
The following criteria are the basis for the definition of quality design:
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Integration: To fit into its surroundings a building
should possess several qualities, including: appropriate siting, massing,
scale, proportion, rhythm and materials.
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Order and Unity: Buildings and the spaces between them
should possess a sense of order and unity. Symmetry, balance, repetition,
the grid, the bay, the frame and the roofscape can combine to give buildings
coherence. Order enables us to interpret what we see.
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Plan and Section: A building is much more than just
its elevations. The way its internal spaces, structure and services are
designed is integral to a building’s overall quality.
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Integrity: Employing principles of separation and articulation
in design and using an appropriate method of construction can assist a
building’s integrity.
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Detail: The word “detail” is
used in preference to ornament or decoration, though it can often fulfil
a similar role in modern architecture. The lack of detail impoverishes architecture,
whereas the consistent handling of details throughout a building allows
us to admire the beauty of materials and the skill of the design and construction.
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4.11
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Community Safety
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Policy D10: Community Safety (Part
I)
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Proposals should take full account of the need to
prevent crime, reduce the fear of crime and promote community
safety throughout the design process.
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Proposals should take account of the following principles:
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- Opportunities for surveillance of public space should
be maximised. Buildings should front onto the public realm
(see Policy D5). Exposed blank facades should be minimised.
Streets and other public spaces should be well lit.
- The layout of buildings and landscaping schemes should
avoid creating “dead space”, hiding places or
cover for criminals. Segregated routes, footpaths and alleyways
and parking spaces which are not directly overlooked should
be avoided.
- Private space around buildings should be designed to be “defensible space” i.e. it should be secure,
attractive and overlooked so that it is controlled, or perceived
to be controlled by its occupiers.
- Attractive landscaping, fencing, walls, pillars, railings
and other treatments should be used to reinforce boundaries
and deter intruders.
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Where appropriate, planning conditions or obligations will
be used to secure the provision of community safety measures.
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| 4.11.1 |
Government guidance in the companion guide to PPS1 entitled “Safer
Places: The Planning System and Crime Prevention” (April 2004) confirms
that crime prevention and related measures can be a material consideration
in making planning decisions and that the planning system can make a significant
contribution to deterring crime.
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| 4.11.2 |
The aim of this policy is to ensure that the design of new
developments contributes towards reducing both the risk of criminal activity
and the fear of crime. All applications for new development will be assessed
in accordance with the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and the companion guide
to PPS1 entitled “Safer Places: The Planning System and Crime Prevention”.
Account will also be taken of the Crime Reduction and Community Safety Strategy
for Wolverhampton and the Council’s Crime Prevention Strategy for
Parks and Open Spaces. |
| 4.11.3 |
The Council will work with developers and the Police, in particular
the Police Liaison Officer, to reduce the potential for crime through design.
In applying Policy D10, the Council will have regard to guidance provided
by the Police through the “Secured by Design” scheme. Developers
will be expected to have taken that guidance into account and to have applied
its principles, particularly in the preparation of major new housing, industrial,
retail, leisure and car park schemes. |
| 4.11.4 |
Community Safety and Crime Prevention should be an integral
part of the design and layout of all new buildings – not an excuse
for poor or unacceptable design. Community safety issues will be addressed
in all future Supplementary Planning Documents (including Development Briefs)
provided by the Council. |
| 4.11.5 |
The range of community safety measures which can be incorporated
within development proposals are numerous and include, for example, careful
detailed design and layout of new development and buildings, lighting and
security arrangements, overlooking and surveillance, closed circuit television,
adequate and properly planned defensible space, appropriate landscaping,
direct and uncluttered walkways and mixed use developments which provide
for different activities and encourage pedestrian movement during the day.
There is also a need for car parks and other transport facilities to be
built to “Secured by Design” standards and for personal safety
and security to be of high priority in all development schemes and proposals. |
| 4.11.6 |
Streets and spaces that are overlooked allow natural surveillance,
feel safer and generally are safer. Buildings of all types which front onto
streets, squares or parks, contribute to overlooking by showing their public
face. One of the most effective measures for community safety and crime
prevention is the creation of lively, lived-in urban areas and public spaces
which are easy to overlook and oversee. |
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4.12
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Access for People with Disabilities
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Policy D11: Access for People with
Disabilities (Part I)
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All highway and development proposals should be designed
to provide safe and convenient access for people with disabilities.
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Measures should include special facilities within the highway
and paving schemes, dedicated parking spaces and appropriate
footpaths, approaches and entrances to buildings. Transport
facilities should also be designed to ensure easy access for
everyone, with convenient interchange facilities. Measures
to provide such accessibility should be of a high standard
of design and materials to protect and improve visual amenity.
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| 4.12.1 |
A fundamental aim of Wolverhampton City Council is to promote an accessible
built environment to ensure that disabled people are not denied the opportunity
to participate fully in all aspects of City life. Development, including
parking where provided, must therefore meet the highest standard of accessibility
and promote inclusion.
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| 4.12.2 |
The Disability Discrimination Act (1995) defines a person
with a disability as being a person who has a physical or mental impairment
that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to
carry out normal day-to-day activities. Section 21 of the Act requires that
the design and construction of a building and the approach or access to
it must be accessible for people with disabilities. The Act also places
responsibilities on transport operators and local authorities to ensure
that vehicles and infrastructure are fully accessible. |
| 4.12.3 |
Therefore, planning permission for new developments (except
house extensions and alterations) will only be granted where developers
can demonstrate that their proposals meet the needs of people with disabilities.
The Council acknowledges the special needs which disabled persons require
as pedestrians and drivers and will ensure highway schemes are accessible
for people with disabilities. |
| 4.12.4 |
Proposals should demonstrate that everyone could use and move
around the development without physical hindrance, separation or special
treatment. These requirements will only be waived in exceptional circumstances,
for example, where it is not acceptable to carry out alterations to a statutory
listed building. For larger scale developments, applicants should provide
an “Access Statement” as part of the Design Statement (see Policy
D2), explaining how the scheme will meet the needs of people with disabilities. |
| 4.12.5 |
Applicants are advised that pre-planning discussions with
the Council’s Access Officers are always welcome and can assist in
solving problems, particularly on difficult sites, before planning permission
is sought. |
| 4.12.6 |
The internal design of a building is not usually a planning
matter, except, for example in the case of listed buildings. Applicants
are advised, however, to consider the internal layout at an early stage
as the internal requirements of the Building Regulations 2000 (Approved
Document M) can on occasions require changes to the building layout and
external appearance. If this happens after planning consent has been granted,
an amendment may need to be sought, prolonging the development process and
adding extra costs to the scheme. |
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| 4.12.7 |
Accessible design criteria can be found in British Standard 8300:2001,
“Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled
people – Code of practice”. Applicants are also advised to
refer to the Council’s Supplementary Planning Guidance on Access
and Facilities for People with Disabilities (1995), which includes technical
guidelines which are still relevant. However, parts of the SPG are now
out of date and it will be subject to review shortly.
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4.13
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Nature Conservation and Natural Features
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Policy D12: Nature Conservation and Natural
Features
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All proposals should demonstrate a consideration of the following:
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- Woodland, trees, hedgerows, wetland habitats, watercourses,
flood plains, geological features and other natural features
or habitats should be retained, where possible (see Policies
N5, EP6 and EP7).
- Where appropriate, creative conservation measures, such
as new wildlife habitats and fresh geological exposures,
should be incorporated.
- Any landscaping or planting scheme should incorporate
the greatest possible proportion of appropriate native vegetation,
except where special requirements in terms of purpose or
location dictate otherwise.
- Sustainable urban drainage measures should be incorporated
to create a more natural pattern of drainage (see Policy
EP9).
- Built structures should be designed, where possible, to
incorporate habitat features attractive to species that
inhabit the built environment.
- Proposals should positively address any nature conservation
resources which lie adjacent to or near to the development
site.
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| 4.13.1 |
The diversity of landscapes and wildlife in Wolverhampton are a valuable
resource. The protection and enhancement of this resource will contribute
towards the overall regeneration of the City and the well being of its
residents. Chapter 7: Nature Conservation sets out policies to protect
certain identified nature conservation sites, habitats and species and
to ensure that development respects the constraints imposed by floodplains
and other natural features. However, new development need not necessarily
result in losses of natural habitats and features, but can be designed
to preserve and enhance them. Redevelopment may also allow the creation
of new areas of natural value, which form an integral part of the design.
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| 4.13.2 |
Policy D12 sets out the criteria the Council will use to assess
the standard of design of any development proposal in relation to nature
conservation and natural features, but especially to sites: |
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- in proximity to a LNR, SINC or SLINC;
- within or in proximity to a wildlife corridor or other area where
wildlife is accessible to the local community;
- containing a species or habitat for which a national or local Biodiversity
Action Plan has been prepared;
- used by species protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
as amended;
- used by species specially protected by the Conservation (Natural Habitats
etc,) Regulations 1994 as amended.
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| 4.13.3 |
Policy D12 should be read alongside Policy D6: Townscape and Landscape
and more detailed guidance in the forthcoming Supplementary Planning Document
on Nature Conservation.
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4.14
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Sustainable Development (Natural Resources and Energy Use)
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Policy D13: Sustainable Development (Natural
Resources and Energy Use)
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All proposals should respect the principles of a sustainable
environment in terms of their use of resources and energy.
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The following principles shall be taken into account in the
design of new development:
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- Proposals should make good and efficient use of natural
resources for building and landscaping including the retention
of existing natural and manmade features of value.
- Existing buildings should be retained and re-used wherever
possible.
- Proposals should have the potential to be long-lived and
adaptable for future changes of use, including consideration
of the changing needs of any occupants.
- The siting, orientation, internal and external design
of buildings and use of landscaping should maximise the
use of natural heat and light (i.e. solar gain), and maximise
conservation of non-renewable energy sources (see Policies
EP8, EP9, EP16 and EP17).
- Preference should be given to the use of reclaimed or
locally sourced building materials, which save energy in
production and transport.
- Production of waste during construction and use should
be minimised (see Policy EP13).
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| 4.14.1 |
All the policies in this Chapter contribute towards making sustainable
places but Policy D13 concentrates on issues relating to resource use
which are of particular importance.
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| 4.14.2 |
The way in which resources are used in development can have long term
implications for the depletion of natural resources and energy use. The
council is keen to ensure that development makes the most efficient use
of natural resources and promotes energy conservation. The repair and
reuse of existing buildings or structures can be sustainable, in that
energy and materials are already invested in them. (However circumstances
also arise in which it is more sustainable to replace or remove old buildings
or structures).
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| 4.14.3 |
Developers will be encouraged to minimise pollution and waste during
demolition and construction, and encouraged to make use of materials that
that are recycled, from a renewable source and have low levels of energy
use in manufacture.
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| 4.14.4 |
Robust buildings and spaces that are capable of being adapted
for a variety of other uses with minimal disruption reduce the use of natural
resources and energy. Shallow plot depths of between 9 and 13 metres can
facilitate the adaptation of buildings to alternative uses. |
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4.15
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The Provision of Public Art
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Policy D14: The Provision of Public Art
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The Council will seek to negotiate provision for public art
on all major residential and commercial developments and will
also encourage the making of such provision on smaller developments.
Where agreement is reached that public art will be provided,
such provision will be secured through the use of conditions,
planning obligations or management agreements.
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| 4.15.1 |
Public art can make an important contribution to the amenity and environmental
quality of an area. In smaller developments it can enhance existing character,
while in larger projects, particularly urban regeneration schemes, it
can contribute towards creating a new sense of place. It can integrate
new development into the surrounding community by recording and celebrating
the past and contribute towards the wider cultural environment and civic
pride. The Council is a “Percent for Art” authority. This
programme seeks the allocation of at least one percent of the construction
costs of a project towards the production of works of art or craft to
enrich the final structure and its environment. Supplementary Planning
Guidance on the Provision of Public Art provides further advice and explanation.
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| 4.15.2 |
The Council’s initial aim in negotiations will be that
at least one percent of the total construction costs of a project will be
sought as a contribution to the provision for public art. This will apply
to major commercial and residential developments as defined in the Town
and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) Order 1995 Article
8. In the latter case, it is not envisaged that the houses themselves necessarily
incorporate such features, but that provision should be made within the
site as a whole, perhaps in association with the any open space to be provided
or at the gateway to the site. Artists or craft persons should be involved
throughout the project, from the production of separate features and the
embellishment of standard items such as fencing and gates, through to involvement
with the project design team. The one percent figure negotiated for may
be reduced, or no provision for public art may be sought, where the viability
of the development scheme would otherwise be jeopardised. |
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